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Thiruvalla (Kerala), May 5 Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom, former head of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church and the longest-serving bishop in India, died on Wednesday due to age-related ailments. Church spokesman gave this information. He was 103.
The spokesman said that Mar Chrysostom was discharged from the hospital in Thiruvalla on Tuesday. He breathed his last at around 1.15 am in a private hospital in nearby Kumbanad here late at night.
Philipose Mar Chrysostom, a true humanitarian and world-view and outstanding religious figure was awarded the Padma Bhushan by President Ram Nath Kovind in 2018.
He is credited with implementing and formulating several schemes to improve the social, economic and cultural condition of the poor and the underprivileged.
Born in Karthikappally on April 27, 1918, Mara Chrysostom was inspired by her father’s sense of service.
After graduating from Union Christian (UC) College in Alvaye, he moved towards missionary work and in 1944 became the ‘Deacon of the Church’. Nine years later in 1953 he was made a bishop.
Philipose Mar Chrysostom became the Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church in 1999. He remained a bishop for 68 years.
Known for his calm and humble nature, Bishop is known for his humor-filled statements and heart-touching speeches.
Many books have been published and documentaries have been made on his speeches.
